Guidance

Influenza A(H1N2)v: guidance for affected members of the public

Information for members of the public who have been affected by the detection of influenza A(H1N2)v in humans for the first time in the UK.

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This guidance is for members of the public affected by influenza A(H1N2)v. You will have been told if this guidance applies to you.

It contains information about the disease and the actions that people should take if they have potentially been exposed to influenza A(H1N2)v. It also contains information about the disease and the actions that people should take if they potentially have an influenza A(H1N2)v infection. If this guidance is relevant to you, you will be told which piece of guidance applies to your situation.

Influenza A(H1N2) is a virus which normally infects pigs. Humans can be infected with this virus and the symptoms experienced are similar to human seasonal influenza (also called ‘flu’). The first human case of influenza A(H1N2)v in the UK was detected in November 2023. More information about what this means is provided in a press release issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The disease is usually mild to moderate and symptoms typically last for 3 to 5 days. More serious complications, such as pneumonia, are possible but rare.

Published 1 December 2023
Last updated 19 December 2023 + show all updates
  1. Updated background information on influenza A(H1N2)v and list of symptoms to be aware of.

  2. Clarified the difference between influenza A(H1N2) and influenza A(H1N2)v, and updated actions for high category contacts who live or work with pigs.

  3. First published.